This will make the use of mobile slaughter units possible for more Swiss livestock farmers. This has been allowed in a limited way for several years, but slaughtered animals must be delivered to a slaughterhouse within forty-five minutes for hygienic reasons (cooling!).
Because of this time restriction, until now only farmers located near a slaughterhouse could use the scheme. The delivery time will now be extended to one and a half hours so farmers farther away can also benefit.
In addition, rules for the “free distribution” of food are being relaxed, much to the delight of Swiss food banks. Switzerland produces about 2.8 million tons of food waste annually, equivalent to 330 kg per inhabitant. About eight percent of all Swiss food waste comes from wholesale and retail trade.
Until now, bakeries and supermarkets were not allowed to donate surplus food to charities due to food safety standards. From February, these rules will be relaxed. This includes some flexibility regarding food safety requirements.
The Swiss parliament has also decided that a national referendum on an import ban of (French) foie gras must be held, likely later this year. At the end of last year, the parliament rejected a motion to ban the import after citizens had requested it. Instead, it was decided that foie gras imports must clearly label the feeding method of the geese.
The Swiss Animal Protection League has now collected over 100,000 signatures to propose a complete ban on foie gras imports.